environment restoration plan changes:layout 1 · environment plan” as one of the highlights of...

APRILI07ENVIRONMENT RESTORATION

PLAN

“ E n v i ro n m e n t a l a c t i o n s f o r o u r f u t u re ”

CONTENTSEXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 LIVERPOOL DIRECTIONS 4

3 COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENVIRONMENT 6

3.1 Council’s legal obligations 7

3.2 Council’s Corporate Plan 7

3.3 Other Council environmental plans and stratergies 7

4 LIVERPOOL’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 8

4.1 Environment defined 9

4.2 Current state of Liverpool’s natural environment 9

4.3 Our catchment area 9

4.4 Future pressures on Liverpool’s natural environment 10

4.5 Liverpool’s flora and fauna 10

5 THE ENVIRONMENT PLAN (2002-2007) 11

5.1 Environment Plan deliverables 12

5.2 Achievements of the Environment Plan 12

5.3 The site selection process 13

5.4 Environment Plan project sites 13

5.5 Environment Plan sites - before and after photos 14

5.6 Other Environment Plan work sites 18

5.7 Awards 19

5.8 Environment Plan review 19

5.9 The conclusion of the Environment Plan 19

6 THE ENVIRONMENT RESTORATION PLAN 20

6.1 What is the Environment Restoration Plan? 21

6.2 Why continue the Environment Plan? 21

6.2.1 Community involvement 21

6.3 How is it funded? 21

6.4 Consultation to develop the Environment Restoration Plan 21

6.4.1 The Environment Restoration Plan engagement strategy 21

6.4.2 Stage 1 22

6.4.3 Stage 2 22

6.5 Key deliverables of the Environment Restoration Plan 23

6.6 What will it deliver? 23

7 MONITORING, REPORTING, REVIEW AND MAINTENANCE 25

7.1 Monitoring 26

7.2 Reporting 27

7.3 Review 27

7.4 Maintenance 27

8 WHERE TO FROM HERE? 28

GLOSSARY 29

APPENDIX 1 30

1.1 Environment Advisory Panel 30

1.2 Environment Group Sub-committee 30

1.3 Environment groups 31

CONTENTS

2

EXECUTIVESUMMARYLiverpool forms part of both the Georges River

and Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchments and

has a unique natural environment that includes a

number of endangered ecological communities,

such as Cumberland Plain Woodland.

With the added pressures of large scale

development over the next three decades,

Liverpool Council needs to be even more proactive

in striving to maintain and conserve the natural

environment of Liverpool. As a result, Council

would like to continue the environment

restoration efforts of the Environment Plan in a

new environment levy program called the

Environment Restoration Plan.

Council’s current environment levy program, the

Environment Plan, was approved by the Minister

for Local Government for a five-year period

concluding in June 2007. The Environment Plan

has delivered a number of successful

environmental programs, including

environmental restoration projects,

environmental education and support for

community environmental activities. To ensure

these programs are continued and new initiatives

are implemented, Council is developing the


The Environment Restoration Plan is an outline of

the environmental projects, programs and plan of

on-ground works to be funded by the

environment levy. These projects, programs and

on-ground works aim to improve the natural

environment of Liverpool for the long-term

benefit of Liverpool and its community.

The Environment Restoration Plan is focused on

restoring Liverpool’s natural environment. For the

purposes of the Environment Restoration Plan the

natural environment will include ecosystems (and

their constituent parts) and natural resources.

Broadly this will include creeks, rivers and

waterways, riparian areas and other bushland

reserves and areas.

The program delivered by the Environment

Restoration Plan will depend on the amount of

the levy approved by Council and the Department

of Local Government. The broad projects included

in the Environment Restoration Plan to be funded

by the levy are:

# Bushland restoration and revegetation

# Environmental education

# Support for the Environment Advisory Panel,Environment Group Sub-committee andenvironment groups

# Community environmental activities andevents, including tree planting days, treegiveaways and Bloomin’

# Employment of staff to deliver the EnvironmentRestoration Plan.

It is proposed that the final Environment

Restoration Plan will be endorsed by Council in

April 2007. In May 2007, Council will apply to the

Minister for Local Government for the

continuation of the environment levy. If

approved, the Environment Restoration Plan will

commence from 1 July 2007.

3The Environment Restoration Plan

In 2006 the Department of Environment and

Conservation NSW completed a survey titled ‘Who

cares about the Environment in 2006?’. Results from

this survey showed that people value the environment

as part of their lives - 93% say it is important or very

important. Environment ranked third after family

and friends.

Research conducted by Liverpool Council, including

Liverpool Directions, Social Research and Focus groups,

has also shown a strong support from our community

to protect the environment. We are all concerned

about the state of our environment and the

Environment Restoration Plan shows Liverpool Council’s

commitment and support to protect and maintain our

local natural environment.

In 2002 the Department of Local Government approved

a five-year environment levy for the Liverpool Local

Government Area (LGA). The environment levy program,

known as the Environment Plan, commenced in July

2002 and will conclude in June 2007. As a result of the

many successes of the Environment Plan, Council is

proposing to continue the environment levy program.

This new levy, The Environment Restoration Plan?

Environmental actions for our future, aims to continue

the programs implemented as part of the current

environment plan and to develop new environmental

initiatives to be delivered in the Liverpool LGA.

It is proposed that the Environment Restoration Plan

will commence in July 2007 and run for a period

approved by the Department of Local Government. The

Environment Restoration Plan will provide a framework

for the delivery of key environmental projects for the

long-term benefit of Liverpool and its community.

This document will outline:

# Liverpool’s natural environment

# Council’s responsibility to the natural environment

# Council’s current environment levy program -

the Environment Plan (2002-2007)

# The continuation of the Environment Plan program.

Introduction

LiverpoolDirections

4


Liverpool Directions was developed as a result of Council’s

Creating Our Future Together Partnership Project involving

more than 1,700 Liverpool residents, workers, students and

visitors. The Liverpool Directions document incorporates the

views and opinions of the local community on what they

want for Liverpool for the future.

A major component identified through the development of

Liverpool Directions is the natural environment of Liverpool.

Liverpool Directions includes two sections with an

environment focus, including:

# The land between two rivers where city and

country meet

# Sustainability.

These two sections outline the main focus of what the

community would like to see for Liverpool’s natural

environment in the future. The information below is taken

from Liverpool Directions and shows the actions the

Liverpool community would like taken to preserve its

natural environment.

LIVERPOOL DIRECTIONS SECTION:

The land between two rivers where city and

country meet

# The city’s natural areas, in particular, waterways such as

the Georges River, Nepean River and the Cabramatta

Creek system, will be cleaner, healthier and more widely

and responsibly enjoyed as places for recreation

# As significant urban development takes place, some of

the rural character of Liverpool will be maintained

# Agricultural land, open space and protected bushland will

be part of an inviting and attractive mix of land uses.

Role of Council

Natural systems do not fit within administrative boundaries,

therefore Council has a role to maintain working

relationships with government agencies and other parties in

the management of natural areas and waterways. Council

has a role to improve the appearance and health of

waterways through rehabilitation projects, including

partnerships with environmental groups and volunteers. As

part of its planning role, Council also influences the

protection of rural land uses.

Council’s Corporate Plan strategies are to:

# Review planning controls so they improve delivery of the

community’s aspirations, including (where appropriate)

the retention of rural character through precinct planning

and urban design policy

# Undertake bushland restoration and rehabilitation in

partnership with other agencies and the community

# Promote awareness and appreciation of natural assets

such as bushland and waterways

# Seek funding from government agencies for bushland

acquisition, restoration and rehabilitation projects

# Protect the environment through enforcement and

education programs

# Promote the responsible use of open space through

education programs

# Undertake, with the involvement of the community,

on-ground environment works at selected sites in

accordance with the Environment Plan.

LIVERPOOL DIRECTIONS SECTION:

Sustainability

# Community, business and governments will deliver

specific programs to make Liverpool more sustainable

# Reduced waste, pollution and water usage will be the

major noticeable results of future actions for sustainability

# There will be local or easily accessible education and

training for all ages, supported by well-equipped and

convenient libraries.

Role of Council

As part of its environmental leadership role, Council has

developed programs to improve the sustainability of its own

operations and services. It also promotes sustainable

development through its policymaking, education and

regulatory roles. Council has a role to establish and maintain

sound working relationships with government agencies in

their management of environmental pollution, water

conservation and energy usage. Through its planning roles

(zoning, infrastructure planning and urban design) Council

encourages business and industrial development.

Council’s Corporate Plan strategies are to:

# Improve the efficiency of water and energy use and

reduce greenhouse gas emissions through education,

incentive programs and programs that promote upgrading

with water saving devices

# Increase the community’s awareness of sustainability and

environmental issues through education programs.

Liverpool Directions shows that the Liverpool community

values their local natural environment and supports the

delivery of environmental projects. During the development

of Liverpool Directions, the community has shown support

for the improvement of the environment. The

implementation of the Environment Restoration Plan will

contribute to the improvement of the environment as

supported by Liverpool Directions.

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Council’sresponsibilityto theenvironment


3.1 COUNCIL’S LEGAL OBLIGATIONS

Council operates within the requirements of the LocalGovernment Act 1993 and other relevant legislation.

Section 8 of the Local Government Act sets out the 12

statutory objectives of the Council Charter. Objective 5

requires councils to:

“Properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance andconserve the environment of its area in a manner that isconsistent with and promotes the principles of EcologicallySustainable Development.”

For the purposes of Council’s projects, environmentally

sustainable development means:

# To enhance individual and community wellbeing and

welfare by following a path of economic development

that safeguards the welfare of future generations

# To provide for equity within and between generations

# To protect biological diversity and maintain essential

ecological processes and life-support systems.

3.2 COUNCIL’S CORPORATE PLAN

Each year, Liverpool City Council develops a Corporate Plan

which outlines Council’s main objectives and projects to be

implemented that year. The implementation of the

Environment Plan has been a major component in

the delivery of the objectives for Council from 2002-2007.

Council’s 2006-07 Corporate Plan incorporates planning to

continue the Environment Plan. Section 6 Sustainability

(pp10-11) includes “development of a new city-wide

environment plan” as one of the highlights of specific

actions for 2006-07. Once adopted, the Environment

Restoration Plan will become an integral part of Council’s

Corporate Plan.

3.3 OTHER COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANSAND STRATEGIES

There are a series of natural environment related strategies

within Council which provide direction for Council in its

activities, the three most relevant in relation to the

Restoration Plan being:

Liverpool City Council Biodiversity

Management Plan

The Biodiversity Management Plan provides for the

conservation of native plants, animals, habitat and

ecological processes in the Liverpool LGA. It provides

priorities and guidance for Council in making decisions

relevant to managing these native plants and animals, and

the natural environment, guidance for the use, conservation

and enhancement of natural resources according to the

principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development and a

greater level of certainty for the community via a pre-

defined, transparent and accountable process.

Liverpool City Council Water Strategy

The Water Strategy is a document that updates and

consolidates Council’s Stormwater Management Plans and

the Regional Catchment Blueprints (a planning document

prepared by Catchment Management Boards that

constitutes an integrated regional catchment management

plan) into a single document to address all water related

issues of Council.

Liverpool City Council Water Quality Monitoring

Framework

The Framework will help Council monitor and sustain or

improve current, or likely future, environmental values for

Liverpool’s aquatic ecosystems.

Liverpool’snaturalenvironment

8


4.1 ENVIRONMENT DEFINED

The word ‘environment’ can be defined in many ways. Atits broadest definition environment can include ecosystemsand their constituent parts, including people andcommunities; natural and physical resources; the qualitiesand characteristics of locations, places and areas; heritagevalues of places; and the social, economic and culturalaspects of everything mentioned above.

The Environment Restoration Plan is focused on restoringLiverpool’s natural environment. For the purposes of theEnvironment Restoration Plan the natural environmentwill include ecosystems and their constituent parts andnatural resources. Broadly this will include creeks, riversand waterways, riparian areas, other bushland reservesand areas.

4.2 CURRENT STATE OF LIVERPOOL’SENVIRONMENT

The Liverpool LGA has a total area of 306km2 (30,604ha)

and is made up of 39 suburbs. The south eastern portion of

Liverpool is controlled by the Department of Defence and is

a significant natural environment asset. The western half of

Liverpool is currently zoned for rural purposes, and supports

both small and large lot farming, some intensive plant and

animal agriculture and rural residential housing.

The Liverpool LGA has 69.8km2 (6,980.9ha) of bushland. This

includes pristine bushland, many kilometres of waterways

and areas of great natural beauty.

Above: Remnant Cumberland Plain woodland at Overett

Reserve, Kemps Creek

4.3 OUR CATCHMENT AREA

The Liverpool LGA lies within two significant river

catchments - the Georges River to the east and the

Hawkesbury-Nepean to the west. The Georges River forms

the eastern boundary with Bankstown Council and the

Hawkesbury-Nepean River forms the western boundary

with Wollondilly Council. The ridgeline separating the two

catchments falls within the western Sydney regional open

space corridor.

Significant tributaries of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River

traverse the Liverpool LGA, including South, Kemps and

Badgerys creeks. Much of the eastern portion within the

Georges River catchment of the LGA drains to the

Cabramatta Creek sub-catchment including Hinchinbrook,

Cabramatta, Maxwells and Brickmakers creeks. Liverpool’s

waterways form part of a larger ecological system entwined

with riparian vegetation and natural terrestrial bushland

areas.

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4.4 FUTURE PRESSURES ON LIVERPOOL’SNATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Liverpool City is currently experiencing significant growth

and will continue to grow for the next 30-40 years. Twelve

per cent of the state’s future population growth is predicted

for Liverpool. This growth is a mixture of new land being

released for development and urban consolidation.

In order to achieve growth targets, residential suburbs

will be developed within the south west growth sector

and Liverpool’s established areas will increase in

population density.

As a result, Liverpool’s natural environment will be exposed

to more pressure from development and urban sprawl. It is

therefore essential that Council and the community

implement projects and programs to conserve and maintain

Liverpool’s natural environment.

Continuing pressure on our natural environment will

contribute to:

# Degradation of remaining bushland through

weed invasion

# Increased aquatic weed infestations

# Reduced native species diversity

# Local and regional extinction of native species

and communities

# Predation and competition from feral animals and plants

# Destruction of habitat, for example, bush rock removal,

removal of snags and logs from waterways

# Erosion and salinity

# Reduced soil quality and productivity

# Increased soil nutrient and soil contamination

# Reduced water quality

# Altered flow regimes and flooding behaviour

# Bushland clearance

# Loss of native animal and plant habitat.

4.5 LIVERPOOL’S FLORA AND FAUNA

A number of vegetation communities in the Liverpool LGA

are listed as endangered ecological communities. The

Cumberland Plain woodland, in particular, is recognised at

regional, state and federal levels as a significant

endangered ecological community. Before European

settlement, the Cumberland Plain woodland extended

across western Sydney, covering 122,000ha. Today, only

eight per cent of the original woodland area remains.

Numerous species of threatened flora and fauna occur

within the Liverpool LGA as well as many regionally

significant and vulnerable species including the population

of Dillwynia tenuifolia (small shrub) at Kemps Creek. Other

animal species such as the powerful owl and koala have

been found in our area.

To maintain and protect our local native flora, bushland and

waterways means we maintain and protect the homes of

our local native fauna.


TheEnvironment Plan

(2002-2007)

12

The Environment Plan is a partnership between Council and

its community, including local environment groups,

volunteers, business and industry, to restore and rehabilitate

our local riparian vegetation and bushland.

The five-year Environment Plan was considered and

adopted by Council in May 2002 and approved by the

Minister of Local Government in June 2002. The

implementation of the Environment Plan commenced in

July 2002 and will conclude in June 2007.

More specifically, the Environment Plan is an integrated

program of restoration activities and on-ground works

designed to preserve and conserve the natural

environment of Liverpool. It aims to improve the health

of our natural environment, in particular the riparian

vegetation and waterways.

5.1 ENVIRONMENT PLAN DELIVERABLES

Outlined below is the list of key deliverable’s that were

adopted in the Environment Plan. These are the broad

objectives that Council aims to achieve with the

Environment Plan:

# Enhancement of existing and potential

ecological connectivity

# Cleaner waterways

# Revegetation of waterways

# Construction of access paths

# Fence waterways in rural areas where appropriate

# Protecting and expanding all endangered ecological

communities and other bushland

# Rehabilitation of urban and rural waterways

# Establishing green gateways into the city

# Improving the city Image

# Building community networks.

5.2 ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT PLAN

In October 2006, a snapshot of some of the major

achievements of the Environment Plan included:

Number of trees planted

(total) 103,892

(those planted by volunteers) 37,200

Metres of creek line being restored 18,202m

Number of community members involved

(regular volunteers) 100

(community participants) 550

Number of tree planting activities completed 169

Number of environment groups 10

Total area regenerated or revegetated 546,368m2

Number of sites 31

Number of trees given away 37,600

Number of environmental workshops run 26

Length of pathways installed approx 222m


5.3 THE SITE SELECTION PROCESS

Over the five years of the Environment Plan, more than 20

bush regeneration projects have been implemented. The

sites for these projects were selected using a site selection

process developed and adopted by Council in October 2003.

The site selection process was developed to provide some

rigour and scientific framework behind the selection of sites

for Environment Plan works. The process incorporates three

matrices using environmental, social and economic criteria

to prioritise sites for Environment Plan works.

Some parts of the site selection process could be refined

and improved to ensure the process produces the most

appropriate sites for Environment Plan works. The site

selection process will be reviewed and updated for works

under the Environment Restoration Plan.

The sites selected for Environment Plan works go through a

community consultation process and are then adopted by

Council. As part of this process the community has the

opportunity to provide suggestions for sites to be selected

for environment works. For further information on the

current site selection process please visit

www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

5.4 ENVIRONMENT PLAN PROJECT SITES

The list of sites across Liverpool selected for works during

the five years of the Environment Plan are outlined below.

Sites were selected for three rounds. Round 1 includes the

first four sites which were chosen prior to the

implementation of the Environment Plan. Round 2 includes

sites selected to commence in 2004-05, and the Round 3

sites were selected to commence in 2005-07 (Round 2 and

3 sites were selected using the site selection process).

ENVIRONMENT PLAN SITES 2002-07

Round 1

Amalfi Park, Lurnea

Collimore Park, Liverpool

Kelso Park, Moorebank

Overett Reserve, Kemps Creek

Round 2

McMillan Park, Moorebank

McGirr Park, Cartwright

Havard Reserve, Prestons

Lt Cantello Reserve, Hammondville

Clinches Pond, Moorebank

Overett Reserve - Area 2, Kemps Creek

Round 3

Ernie Smith Reserve - Area 1, Moorebank

Meere Park, Lurnea

Light Horse Park, Liverpool

Harris Creek Reserve, Holsworthy

Creekwood Reserve, Voyager Point

Cabrogal Park, Hinchinbrook

Miller Park, Cartwright

Bradshaw Park, Busby

Fassifern Park, Cartwright

Ernie Smith Reserve - Area 2, Moorebank

14

5.5 ENVIRONMENT PLAN SITES - BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

Amalfi Park before

Amalfi Park after


McMillan Park before

McMillan Park after

16

5.5 BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS CONTINUED

McGirr Park before

McGirr Park after


Collimore Park before

Collimore Park after

18

5.6 PLAN WORK SITES

There are also a number of other sites across Liverpool

where Environment Plan works have been completed.

Works on these sites include Environment Group activities,

community tree planting days, grant funded projects and

workshop activities. The sites where other Environment

Plan works have been completed across Liverpool are

listed below:

# Elouera Bushland Reserve - Ireland Park, Ashcroft

# The Avenue, footbridge and lake area, Voyager Point

# Glen Regent Reserve - Leacocks Lane, Casula

# Glen Regent Reserve - Kylie Way, Casula

# Lt Cantello Reserve, Hammondville

# Amalfi Park, Lurnea

# Clinches Pond, Moorebank

# Remount Park, Holsworthy

# Rossmore Grange, Rossmore

# Weaving Garden, Casula

# Blamfield Oval, Ashcroft

# Wattle Grove Lake, Wattle Grove

# Tusculm Park, Wattle Grove

# Light Horse Park, Liverpool.


5.7 AWARDS

The success of the Environment Plan has been reflected in

Council receiving a number of awards for its achievements.

In 2003 Council received first prize for “Playing our part in

sustaining Liverpool” in the National Parks and Wildlife

Services’ Metro Pride Awards category of the Urban Habitat

Restoration and Renewal Award.

On 1 December 2005 Council’s Sustainable Environment and

Health Unit received two awards at the Local Government

Excellence in the Environment Awards:

# The Environment Plan won the Division C* category of the

Urban Waterway Restoration Award

# Council’s Environment Volunteer Program won a Highly

Commended Award in the Division C* category of the

Environment Education Award.

* Divisions A, B and C represent the population size of

councils. Liverpool City Council is in Division C.

5.8 ENVIRONMENT PLAN REVIEW

In July 2005, the Environment Plan was reviewed. The main

aim of the Environment Plan Review was to:

# Conduct a mid-term review of the Environment Plan

programs against the deliverables defined in the

Environment Plan # Explore options and opportunities for the remaining

period of the Plan# Report review findings to Council and the Department of

Local Government.

Each program implemented under the Environment Plan

was reviewed and evaluated. The following factors were

considered for each of the programs:

# Program background# Strengths # Weaknesses # Recommendations.

The review showed the majority of programs being

implemented under the Environment Plan were successful

and should be continued as part of a new environment levy

program. The information from the Environment Plan review

has now been used to contribute to the development of the

Environment Restoration Plan. For further information please

visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

5.9 THE CONCLUSION OF THEENVIRONMENT PLAN

The Environment Plan will conclude at the end of June

2007. In accordance with Council’s resolution of 17 October

2005, Council will apply for a new environment levy

program called the Environment Restoration Plan. It is

intended that Council will seek approval for the levy to

continue indefinately. The Environment Restoration Plan will

continue the projects implemented under the Environment

Plan in addition to implementing some new environmental

initiatives and programs.

20

TheEnvironmentRestoration Plan .


6.1 WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENTRESTORATION PLAN?

The Environment Restoration Plan is an outline of the

environmental projects, programs and plan of on-ground

works to be funded by the environment levy. These

projects, programs and on-ground works aim to improve the

natural environment of Liverpool for the long-term benefit

of Liverpool and its community. It is proposed that the

Environment Restoration Plan continues the programs and

projects commenced under Council’s current environment

levy program, the Environment Plan.

6.2 WHY CONTINUE THE ENVIRONMENT PLAN?

As shown by the Environment Plan Review, environmental

awards received by Council and results from recent

consultation on the development of the new environment

levy program, the Environment Plan has facilitated a

number of excellent environmental projects. However, the

natural environment of Liverpool does need long-term

commitment to ensure projects are maintained until they

function as a natural ecosystem.

The current environment levy will conclude in June 2007

and Council would like to ensure the successful projects that

have commenced under the Environment Plan will be

continued.

The main reasons for retaining the environment levy

program are to:

# Continue to restore Liverpool’s natural environment# Continue environment projects commenced under the

Environment Plan between 2002-2007# Ensure the community has a funding mechanism to

support their environment groups and projects# Play our part in sustaining Liverpool.

6.2.1 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Importantly, the levy has also provided various avenues for

the Liverpool community to be directly involved in the

decision making processes and on-ground actions to

improve the natural environment of Liverpool, including:

# The Environment Advisory Panel# The Environment Group Sub-committee# Involvement in over 10 environment groups around the

Liverpool LGA# Participation in numerous tree planting activities

and workshops # Contribution to consultation on the Environment Plan and

development of the Environment Restoration Plan.

As a result, the community has been and will continue to

be an integral part of the development and delivery of the


6.3 HOW IS IT FUNDED?

The Environment Plan is funded by an ad valorem charge

per ratable property (this means that the charge for each

property is not a flat fee, but a percentage of the individual

property value). The Environment Restoration Plan and the

Environment Plan are funded in the same way. This method

is fair as it relates to property values. The property value

method of charging is defined under section 508(2) of the

Local Government Act (1993).

The amount available for environment restoration works will

be subject to the approval of the environment levy amount.

The amount approved will be one of the funding options

outlined in the matrix (see page 24).

The Environment Restoration Plan will be subject to ongoing

analysis and review and will include consultation with the

community.

6.4 CONSULTATION TO DEVELOP THEENVIRONMENT RESTORATION PLAN

6.4.1 THE ENVIRONMENT RESTORATION PLAN

ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

One of the key components of the planning and

development process for the Environment Restoration Plan

is community engagement. The Liverpool community has

been involved in the development, facilitation and

monitoring of the current Environment Plan (2002-2007)

and has become an integral part of its delivery and success.

As part of the development of the Environment Restoration

Plan, an engagement strategy was developed. The aim of

the engagement strategy was to provide a comprehensive

outline, using Council’s Community Engagement Tool Kit, on

how Council will engage relevant stakeholders to contribute

to the development of the new Environment Levy program,

the Environmental Restoration Plan. For further information

please visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

To enable thorough community input to the Environment

Restoration Plan, the engagement will be undertaken in

two stages:

# Stage 1: Active participation to ascertain the Liverpool

community’s environmental and sustainability priorities and

their willingness to pay for an environment levy (the

Environment Restoration Plan)# Stage 2: Consult and inform to provide comments and

input on the draft Environment Restoration Plan.

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6.4.2 STAGE 1

The main objective of Stage 1 of the consultation strategy

was to engage the community, Council staff and other

relevant stakeholders to provide fundamental information to

allow the development of the Environment Restoration

Plan.

This approach to community consultation is at the active

participation level of Council’s draft Community Engagement

Tool Kit.

The proposed outcomes of Stage 1 consultation included:

# Determining the willingness of the community to pay an

environment levy# Determining the amount the community will pay for an

environment levy# Identifying the participants’ main environmental

issues/concerns# Prioritising the participants’ main environmental

issues/concerns# Identifying specific environmental programs participants

would like included under the Environment

Restoration Plan # Determining the method of ongoing

community consultation.

The main component of Stage 1 was to conduct five focus

groups to provide the basis for the development of the

Environment Restoration Plan. The five focus groups were

conducted by an independent consultant in August and

September 2006. These findings contributed to the

development of the Environment Restoration Plan. For

further information please visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

RESULTS FROM STAGE 1 - FOCUS GROUPS

As outlined in the final report of the findings of the focus

groups (titled “Liverpool City Council CommunityConsultations for the new Environment Plan”), the five

focus groups enabled community members, Council staff

and other stakeholders to provide valuable input into the

new Liverpool City Council Environment Plan-The

Environment Restoration Plan (a copy of the full final report

is available on www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au). It was clear from

the responses of the group that environmental issues are

important to Liverpool residents and that they welcome the

opportunity to be consulted on future activities addressing

these issues.

In terms of the outcomes desired from the conduct of the

focus groups, the following conclusions can be made:

1) The willingness of the community to continue to

pay an Environment Levy

Despite prevailing economic pressures being experienced by

residents, such as increasing interest rates and petrol prices,

the focus groups indicated a general willingness of

community members to continue to pay an

Environmental Levy.

2) Determining the amount that the community are

willing to pay for an Environment Levy

There was general, but not universal, support for an

increase in the Levy amount. The results from the two

community focus groups suggest that a majority of

participants would be prepared for the average household

levy to increase from around $12 pa to $20 pa.

3) Identification of the participants main

environmental issues/concerns

Participant issues and concerns were diverse in scope, with

some probably falling outside the reach of Environment

Restoration Plan activities. Nine key themes were identified

through the focus groups.

4) Prioritisation of the participants main

environmental issues/concerns

The priority issues, expressed in terms of the key themes

were: Bush Protection, Repair and Regeneration;

Waterways; “Community Awareness and Education”; Parks

and Recreation Areas; and Developmental Planning.

5) Identification of specific environmental projects

participants would like included under the new

Environment Plan

A number of project ideas were generated in the focus

groups although many were short on details. The theme

“Community Awareness and Education” produced the most

project ideas.

6) Determining the method of ongoing consultation

with the community (community focus groups only).

Community representatives participated enthusiastically in

the focus groups and the vast majority (84%) indicated an

interest in further participation in the development of the

Environment Restoration Plan. Suggestions from the groups

on how this should be done were not generally

forthcoming, although some suggested that

“neighbourhood forums” were appropriate. Further focus

group based consultations - either run by Council staff or

independent facilitators - might also be appropriate.

6.4.3 STAGE 2

The main objective of Stage 2 of the engagement strategy

is to invite the community, Council staff and other relevant

stakeholders to make comments on and provide input into

the draft Environment Restoration Plan. This input will

enable the final document to be produced and final

adoption by Council, facilitating the application to the

Department of Local Government. This approach to

community engagement is outlined in Council’s draft

Community Engagement Tool Kit.

The proposed outcomes of Stage 2 engagement will

include:

# Provision of comments and feedback from the community

and other stakeholders in relation to the Environment

Restoration Plan


# Incorporation of comments into the Environment

Restoration Plan, finalising the document# Enable the Environment Restoration Plan to be finalised

for adoption by Council.

RESULTS FROM STAGE 2 - PUBLIC EXHIBITION

Council endorsed the Draft Environment Restoration Plan on

18 December 2006 to go on Public Exhibition. The Draft

Environment Restoration Plan was placed on Public

Exhibition from 8 January to 23 February 2007. The draft

document was placed on Council’s website, and copies

were made available at Council’s Administration Centre and

Library for comment. The Public Exhibition period was

advertised in the Council page of the Liverpool Champion on

the 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 January 2007, and 7 and 14

February 2007.

The Public Exhibition period concluded on 23 February 2007

with nine submissions being received.

All comments were considered and relevant comments

were incorporated into this document to finalise the


6.5 KEY DELIVERABLES OF THE ENVIRONMENT RESTORATION PLAN

The key deliverables Council aims to achieve from the

Environment Restoration Plan are outlined below. These key

deliverables have been derived from the Environment Plan

and have been reviewed and updated to include:

# Protecting and restoring Liverpool’s local endangered

ecological communities and other bushland# Building community networks and partnerships# Delivering environmental education to the

Liverpool community# Supporting environmental projects across Liverpool# Installing fencing and access paths (as required)# Improving the city image# Cleaner waterways.

At the conclusion of the Environment Restoration Plan,

Council will have achieved or contributed toward these

deliverables which will contribute to sustaining Liverpool.

6.6 WHAT WILL IT DELIVER?

The type and number of programs to be implemented

under the Environment Restoration Plan will depend on

funds generated through the environment levy.

The Environment Plan levy is approximately $12 per

household per annum (based on a 650m2 property) which

generated approximately $700,000 in the 2006-07 financial

year. The following matrix is based on this level of funding

as a minimum and projects outlined in the column for $12

pa is based on an annual budget of $700,000 per annum.

A matrix outlining the various programs that can be

delivered, depending on the amount approved for the new

environment levy, appears on the following page. The $12

pa column shows the proposed programs that can be

delivered based on an average environment levy of $12 per

property per annum (Amount for Environment Plan levy).

Other columns show what additional programs can be

delivered for additional amounts of $15, $18 and $20 per

property per annum.

24

PROJECT/PROGRAM $20 PA $18 PA $15 PA $12 PA

ON-GROUND WORKS/PROJECTS

Bush regeneration - four projects pa �

Bush regeneration - five projects pa �

Bush regeneration - six projects pa �

Bush regeneration - eight projects pa �

Matching funding for grant opportunities � � � �National Tree Day event � � � �Community tree planting program � � � �Community nursery � � � �Access paths and fencing � � � �Set up of no-mow zones(research, signage, fencing and advertising) � � � �

GOVERNANCE

Support of the Environment Advisory Panel � � � �Support Environment Group Sub-committee � � � �Support Environment Groups � � � �Support for Environment Volunteer Program � � � �EDUCATION

Sustaining Liverpool Newsletter � � � �Community engagement strategy � � � �Business engagement strategy � � � �Bi-monthly activity calendar � � � �Workshop series � � � �School education program � � � �Merchandise � � � �Bloomin’ � � � �Environmental Education Centre/Sustainable House � � � �STAFF

Environment Restoration Plan Coordinator � � � �Environment Restoration Plan/Projects Officer � � � �Environment Restoration Plan Education and Grants Officer � � �Two bush regeneration staff �Three bush regeneration staff �ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Environment Restoration Plan indicators � � � �Environmental audits � � �Fauna surveying � � �


Monitoring,reporting, reviewand maintenance

26

7.1 MONITORING

7.1.1 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

A formal structure was set up to govern the Environment

Plan and its programs and enable a reporting mechanism to

Council. Figure 1 shows the governance structure. Over the

time of the Environment Plan the governance structure has

proved to operate effectively in its role and as a result will be

continued under the Environment Restoration Plan.

This structure includes two main committees and the

supporting environment groups that have been set up to

review and provide input into Environment Plan programs:

# The Environment Advisory Panel # Environment Group Sub-committee# Environment groups.

The main objective of this governance structure is to:

# Support our volunteers on an ongoing basis# Provide a formal mechanism within Council to canvass

environmental and sustainability issues# Help deliver the Environment Plan.

More information on the Environment Advisory Panel,

Environment Group Sub-committee and environment groups

can be found in Appendix 1.

Figure 1: The Environment Plan Governance structure

Liverpool City Council

Environment Advisory Panel

Environment Group Sub-committee

Group Representative Group Representative Group Representative Group Representative

Environment Group Environment Group Environment Group Environment Group


7.1.2 ENVIRONMENT PLAN INDICATORS

The Environment Plan indicators, developed to assist in

evaluating the direction and status of the Environment Plan,

were adopted by Council on 28 July 2004. It has become

apparent, after using the Environment Plan indicators over

the period of the Environment Plan, that a number of

programs, processes and circumstances have evolved since

the development and adoption of the indicators in July

2003. Some of the criteria have now been exceeded or are

no longer appropriate. It is proposed that the Environment

Plan indicators be reviewed and updated and implemented

for the Environment Restoration Plan.

The Environment Plan indicators were developed to assist in

evaluating the direction and status of the Environment Plan.

In essence, an indicator is a simple measure of direction or

status in relation to reportable environmental trends. Once

reviewed, the indicators will measure the progress of the

Environment Restoration Plan. The results from the

indicators will be reported to the Environment Advisory

Panel, Council and the Department of Local Government

annually.

7.2 REPORTING7.2.1 DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL

GOVERNMENT REPORTING

In accordance with the Instrument of Approval under

Section 508(2) of the Local Government Act, Council will be

required to provide an annual report to the Minister for

Local Government on the progress of the Environment

Restoration Plan. This report includes details of Environment

Restoration Plan programs and a financial report.

7.2.2 STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORTING

Each year Council completes a State of Environment

Report including a section covering information on the

Environment Plan. Data calculated from the Environment

Plan Indicators are incorporated into the annual State of

Environment Report.

7.2.3 REPORTING TO THE ENVIRONMENT

ADVISORY PANEL (EAP)

The Environment Advisory Panel will be the main focus for

reporting of Environment Restoration Plan programs. All

programs implemented under the Environment Restoration

Plan will be reported to the panel in a six-monthly update

on programs. In accordance with the Environment

Restoration Plan governance structure, programs will then

be reported to Council for endorsement.

7.3 REVIEW

In accordance with the review process of the Environment

Plan, the Environment Restoration Plan will be regularly

reviewed and updated to ensure that all proposed projects

will be delivered.

It is proposed that the Environment Restoration Plan will be

adopted as a permonent levy. There will be major reviews

completed over five years. These reviews will:

# Ensure proposed projects are on track to be delivered# Provide an opportunity for community consultation

in relation to the progress of the Environment

Restoration Plan# Assess whether the proposed projects and on-ground

works are consistent with the Environment Restoration

Plan and Council’s Corporate planning process

In addition the Environment Restoration Plan will be under

constant review through the Environment Advisory Panel as

outlined in 7.2.3.

7.4 MAINTENANCE

One of the main aims of the Environment Restoration Plan

is to complete on-ground works to improve the natural

environment of Liverpool.

On-ground works completed under the Environment

Restoration Plan will mainly include bush regeneration and

revegetation. It is important that Council has long-term

maintenance programs in place to ensure that these works

will continue until they are able to function as natural

ecosystems. As a result, Council will employ qualified staff

to maintain all Environment Restoration Plan works,

including contracted primary bush regeneration works,

tree planting activities and assist in supporting Environment

Group site works.

28

The next stages of the process to facilitate the adoption and

implementation of the Environment Restoration Program

are outlined below. If approved, the Environment

Restoration Plan will commence in July 2007:

# Environment Restoration Plan adopted in principle by

Council for Public Exhibition 18 December 2006# Environment Restoration Plan on Public Exhibition 8

January-23 February 2007# Comments from Stage 2 consultation of Engagement

Strategy for Environment Restoration Plan incorporated

into final document after 23 February 2007# Final Environment Restoration Plan endorsed by Council

16 April 2007

# Application to Department of Local Government for new

environment levy including Environment Restoration Plan

developed March-April 2007# Application to Department of Local Government sent for

approval April-May 2007 (sent when applications are

requested by Department of Local Government)# Notification to Council of approval of new environment

levy and approval of Environment Restoration Plan May -

June 2007# If approval is granted commencement of environment

levy and implementation of the Environment Restoration

Plan 1 July 2007.

Where tofrom here?


GLOSSARYAd valorem - in proportion to the value (e.g. duties on

imports that are fixed at a percentage of the stated value).

In relation to the Environment Restoration Plan the annual

levy on each rateable property is an ad valorem charge, i.e.

a small percentage of the value of the property.

Biodiversity - the variety of plants, animals and microscopic

organisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they

are part of.

Bush regeneration - the rehabilitation of bushland from a

weed infested or otherwise degraded plant community to a

healthy community composed of predominantly indigenous

species. This can include natural regeneration (encouraging

locally native seed in the ground to grow), weeding and

replanting of locally native plants.

Catchment - an area of land, bounded by hills or mountains

from which all runoff water flows to the same low point.

The low point could be a lake, dam, river or the mouth of a

river where it enters the ocean. As well as rivers, creeks,

lakes and dams, a catchment also includes groundwater,

stormwater, wastewater and water-related infrastructure

(source: Sydney Metro CMA website).

Ecologically Sustainable Development - using, conserving

and enhancing the community’s resources so that ecological

processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the

total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.

Ecosystem - a dynamic complex of plant, animal, fungal

and micro-organism communities and associated non-living

environment interacting as an ecological unit.

Ecological community - an assemblage of species

occupying a particular area.

Habitat - an area or place occupied by a species, population

or ecological community. It may be occupied permanently

or occasionally.

Riparian vegetation - vegetation that occurs on the banks

of a waterway, river or creek or any lands which are in,

adjoin, directly influence or is influenced by a body of water.

Salinity - concentration of salts in soil or water.

Species - a group of organisms which are biologically

capable of breeding and producing fertile offspring with

each other but not with members of other species

Tributary - any watercourse that contributes its flow to a

larger watercourse.

Vegetation - the structure, cover and species composition

of the plants in an area.

Waterway - any stream, creek, river, wetland, lake or other

depression in the landscape that carries or contains water,

either constantly or intermittently. Waterways may be

natural or modified and are often characterised by a defined

bed and bank.

APPENDIX 11.1 ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY PANEL

The Environment Advisory Panel (EAP) is one of the main

committees that were set up to review and provide input

into Environment Plan programs. The EAP is a committee of

Council constituted under Section 355 of the Local

Government Act. The EAP reports directly to Council and

holds no delegations. Any reports requiring formal decisions

or expenditure of funds are referred to Council for

endorsement.

The EAP will be one of the main reporting mechanisms for

the Environment Restoration Plan and will ensure sufficient

input is provided for Environment Restoration Program. The

EAP will continue to function under the Environment

Restoration Program. The purpose of the panel is to:

# Consider key environmental issues facing Liverpool and

make recommendations to Council

# Provide input to Council with respect to the development

of environmental programs for Liverpool# Work in partnership with Council in terms of various

environmental initiatives# Provide input to the implementation of Council’s

Environment Plan, including the development of

performance indicators and monitoring of outcomes# Provide input to the development of future programs as

part of the ongoing implementation of the

Environment Plan# Provide advice, direction and support to environmental

groups within Liverpool City Council# Provide opportunities for meaningful community

participation.

The establishment of the EAP was a critical step in the

process of engaging the Liverpool community in

environment and sustainability issues. Table 1 represents

the membership of the panel. As outlined in Table 1, EAP

members come from a variety of organisations and also

from the community.

30

Table 1

REPRESENTATIVE NUMBER TERM METHOD OF APPOINTMENT

Community Two Two years Expression of interest

Councillors Two One year Resolution of Council (currently two staff representatives nominated by the Administrator)

Corporate Manager One Ongoing Position holder automatically assumes membershipCity Planning

Manager

One Ongoing Position holder automatically assumes membershipSustainableEnvironment and Health

Gandangara Land One Two years Nominated by the Land CouncilCouncil

Tharawal Land One Two years Nominated by the Land CouncilCouncil

Industry expert One Two years Expression of Interest

Department ofOne Two years Nominated by Department of Infrastructure, Planning andInfrastructure,

Natural ResourcesPlanning and Natural Resources

Local Environment Two Two years Nominated by the Environment Group Sub-committeeGroups

Landcare Regional/One Two years Nominated by LandcareDivisional

Representative

The Environment Plan team facilitates the EAP meetings,

which are held bi-monthly. Council staff provide reports on

Council environment projects and programs at these

meetings for consideration by the panel. At the meetings

the EAP provide comments and feedback on these reports

and ultimately forward any recommendations for

endorsement. Minutes, reports and recommendations

required by Council are then included in a Council report for

endorsement. All reports, minutes and correspondence can

be viewed on Council’s website. For more information vist

www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

# Environment Group Sub-committee# Environment groups# Regular consultation with community# Environment Restoration Plan Review every five years -

including extensive consultation.

1.2 ENVIRONMENT GROUP SUB-COMMITTEE

The Environment Group Sub Committee (EGSC) is the other

main committee set up under the Environment Plan

governance structure. The EGSC is also a committee of

Council constituted under Section 355 of the Local

Government Act. The EGSC reports to the EAP and holds no

delegations. Any reports or minuted items requiring formal

decisions or expenditure of funds are referred to the

Environment Advisory Panel for endorsement by Council.

The purpose of the Environment Group Sub-committee is to:

# Provide two representatives to act as members on the

Environment Advisory Panel, on behalf of the

Environment Group Sub-committee# Consider any issues relating to the formation and

operation of the environment groups operating in

Liverpool and make recommendations to the panel

regarding such issues.# Provide advice, support and networking opportunities to

environmental groups within Liverpool City Council# Work in partnership with Council and the Environment

Advisory Panel in various environmental initiatives# Provide opportunities for meaningful

community participation.

The linkages between the Environment Advisory Panel and

the Environment Group Sub-committee are designed to:# Facilitate support and provide structure and form to the

environmental groups within Liverpool# Provide a linear connection between Council and

environment groups in Liverpool.

The EGSC membership includes representatives from each of

the environment groups established under Council’s

Environment Volunteer Program. The chairperson of the

committee is an environment group representative elected

by the committee. The secretary of the committee is

Council’s Environment Plan Coordinator. Council’s

Environment Plan team facilitates the committee.

The EGSC meets bi-monthly, and on alternate months to the

EAP. At their meetings the EGSC discusses:

# Activities occurring at each of their sites# Issues that may arise as a result of these activities# The environment volunteer program processes

and programs.

1.3 ENVIRONMENT GROUPS

The environment groups are the other link in the

Environment Plan governance structure that will be

continued under the Environment Restoration Plan.

Each of the environment groups operate under the by-laws

of the Environment Advisory Panel constitution. The

environment groups hold no delegations.

Any items requiring formal decisions or expenditure of

funds are referred to the Environment Advisory Panel

through the Environment Group Sub-committee

for endorsement. The environment groups meet (usually

monthly) to complete environment restoration activities at

their sites. Activities include weeding, tree planting,

watering, bird watching, water testing and rubbish removal.


Administration Centre

1 Hoxton Park Road

Liverpool NSW 2170

Customer Service Centre

Ground floor

Liverpool City Library

170 George Street

Liverpool NSW 2170

Postal Address

Locked Bag 7064

Liverpool BC NSW 1871

Customer Contact Centre1300 36 2170

Fax 02 9821 9333

TTY 02 9821 8800

Email [email protected]

Website www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au

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